Let's hope so - fingers crossed...

Haha, yeah, the hope here is that this is the only problem, because it definitely is A problem May I present, my broken camshaft:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...91442891_n.jpg
I'm relieved to find a definite problem, not nearly so happy at the cost of replacement, particularly as I eye the damage to the head assembly...
So you know anyone trying to get rid of some of these parts?

Ouch.That's what I was afraid of,internal damage. :( You best bet may be a complete head/engine on E-Bay.

From parts diagrams, it looks like there's only supposed to be a C ring in the bottom half of the assembly, but when I took mine apart I thought that it was a washer that had split in two, because there's something that looks an awful lot like another C ring in the top half.
Any of you remember messing around in there and seeing a piece in the top half, pretty much in the part where I'm zoomed in on in the pic labeled "damage to top of head assembly"?

Just a thought you may get away with just the camshaft if the head and valves aren't bent,also mark the cam chain teeth and head at top dead center to avoid issues down the road,look at the bright side it wasn't the crankshaft.

Oh my, that is bad news. As suggested a complete engine on ebay may be a good alternative compared to throwing money at this one. Might also be cheaper in the long run too. You can always sell any left over un-needed parts to recoup a bit of the cost.

A 1983 Suzuki GN250 cylinder head will work on my '03 GZ or no?
I've seen you guys talk about cross compatibility between those two engines, but they are showing up as different parts numbers...

I just seen a camshaft on ebay for 18.99 and free shipping.2002 SUZUKI GZ250 CAMSHAFT/SPROCKET/OEM .
you want to check it out.

the different is the shape of the combustion chamber and the connection for a mechanical tachometer


A gn250 motor will fit

The GN250 head is only $75 with free shipping and it has a cam shaft and everything, so I'm going for it. Expected arrival is Monday.